What is the difference between heartburn and acid reflux? Medical professional answers, please.?

2 Comments

1. MiniMimi says:

   November 21, 2009 at 5:01 pm

   Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux. It is the pain/discomfort we feel when we experience acid refux or indigestion. Acid reflux disease is heartburn two or more time a week despite treatment and changes in diet. Acid reflux disease symptoms can include heartburn, pain or difficulty when swallowing, and puking in your mouth.
2. ens_imp says:

   November 21, 2009 at 5:01 pm

   "Heartburn" is the lay term for acid reflux or gastric-esophageal reflux disorder (GERD). The idea is that for one reason or another, whether it be from excessive acid production or loosening of the spinchter at the top of the stomach, acid essentially splashes up into the lower end of the esophagus which does not have the same protections against acid that the lining of the stomach has. If this exposure is recurrent, it can erode the lining of the esophagus causing a painful burning cessation that the lay public knows as heartburn.